About Us

Earthfire is a group of like-minded people getting together to create magick through drumming, dancing, and FIRE based out of Northern Central CT.

Most of you are probably familiar with the traditional drum circle that you find around that is simply a group of individuals sitting in a literal circle, drumming. This group is not that. Well, don't get us wrong. There's drumming, for sure, but it's also so much more!A ritual drum/fire circle is comprised of 4 components which are sometimes associated with one each of the cardinal directions: Fire Tenders (East), Dancers/Flow Artists (South), Drummers (West), and Community (North). Each one of these component roles has a crucially important part to play in the energy exchange and work that is often the goal of a true ritual drum circle.

Fire tenders are the guardians of the scared flame. They are the unsung lifeblood of the fire circle. The responsibilities of the fire tender(s) are gathering/bringing wood, maintaining the wood (placing it in the ritual area as well as keeping it safe and dry), having accelerants on hand (if needed), maintaining the fire for the duration of the event, making sure the dance area is free of debris before and after the circle, making sure the dancers are being safe and keeping a safe distance from the flames (as trancing dancers may be less aware of their space), correcting behavioral issues (such as smoking in the sacred space, or disrespecting the ritual fire), and having a burn kit and fire extinguisher on hand. In most large groups, the fire tenders are something of their own tribe within the group. These responsibilities are often shared between all of the fire tenders.In very small groups, fire tenders may also fulfill other roles in the circle as long as they are also diligent to their fire tending duties. However, once a group reaches a certain size, tenders will need to give their full attention to their tending duties (although they may participate in some dance while they tend since they are in the inner dancing circle anyway). Fire tenders often will be the members of the group who move in the inner-most circle, closest to the fire. In this way they are best able to monitor the condition of the fire and ensure that the dancers are remaining safe. As such, they should also plan to dress so that most of their skin is covered and wear tight-fitting, fire resistant materials (such as denim or leather) for safety purposes. (Leather gloves may also be necessary for handing/maintaining the fire.)

Drummersfeed the fire and yet the also feed the dancers. They are the driving force in the circle. This duty is sacred just as all other roles are sacred in the ritual fire/drum circle. The drummer's responsibilities include honoring and respecting the roles and gifts of the other members of the circle, holding the space with the rhythm of their drumming, come with the proper intention to move with Spirit/raise energy, release ego, entrain to the other drummers, the fire, the dancers, and the community energies, and adjust to the flow and pace of energy in the circle.Drummers of all experience levels and skills are welcome. The ritual fire/drum circle is a safe, sacred space in which ego should play no part. There is no competition and the circle should be a place of learning and growth. Drummers of greater experience should encourage newer drummers as much as possible. Even the simplest, slowest beat adds to the symphony of rhythm. Every “voice” counts and no member should feel too unqualified to participate as a drummer if that is their calling and their wish!Drummers typically have their own area outside of the circle entirely in which they sit and drum. Drummers may find that typical “camp chairs” do not afford them the ability to have the proper, comfortable posture for drumming. Drummers may which to bring folding chairs which are more structured for maximum comfort.

Dancers are often under appreciated (since they use and require no tools) or, worse yet, sometimes attendees may be too self-conscious to participate in the dancing, especially at “traditional” drum circles. (That is, non-ritual circles.) When we become still even without the accompaniment of drums or music, there is a movement and an energy that flows through us that, if we listen hard enough can guide us through therapeutic moving meditation. In a ritual fire circle, the dancers move in a circle (sometimes called “O's”) around the fire raising energy. Their other “responsibilities” involve preparing in mind, body, and spirit for the dance, sharing water with the drummers, raising energy, moving with Spirit, honoring the other dancers' space, and remaining aware of their own space (including making sure to dress appropriately for being in close proximity to a fire!). Often, if a dancer becomes aware of it, the dancers use the energy from the drumming to feed the fire, which in turn feeds the drummers. It is a magickal alchemy to behold!For dancers who are using their body movement only (with no flow toys) to raise energy, they are the next inner-most circle outside the fire tender(s) as they are those that tend to move in a circular motion around the fire. For dancers who are using flow toys that take up a bit more space that preclude the ability to make O's are the next ring outside the fire circle to respect the space and movement of the inner dancers. It is natural for dancers, of course, to tire. Should a dancer require a break they should remove themselves outside the dancing circles to relax until they are able to return to the dance.

Community represent the sense of togetherness that the ritual fire/drum circle inspires among its members. The ritual circle is a highly personal, spiritual experience for all participants who do so consciously. The experience of the fire circle may also bring strong emotions up for participants. This is intended as a SAFE space. What happens in circle, stays in circle. Circle fosters relationships and friendships. It's creating a tribe. This sense of tribe and community is often missing in modern society and it can have such a profound and healing effect once experienced, especially on a regular basis. So, we ask that all participants regard their ritual fire experience with reverence and conscience.